Opinion

Task Before Rivers Golden Jubilee Committee

Published

10 years ago

November 28, 2016

By virtue of Decree Number 4 of 1967, the Federal Military Government of Yakubu Gowon created a 12-state structure to replace the hitherto existing four regions. The creation of the 12 states was also contained in a national broadcast on 27th May 1967. Out of the 12 States six states were created from the north and another six from the south. Rivers was one of the states created with Port Harcourt as its headquarters. It is worthy of note that Rivers State was part of the defunct Eastern Region of Nigeria.

One thing is clear: the inclusion of Rivers in the 12 state structure did not happen on the platter of gold. Rivers was truly created out of the age-long demand by the founding fathers of the state involved in the Rivers State Movement. In other words, the creation of Rivers was not an act of benevolence.

In fact, writing on State Movement, Ben Naanen (2002) pages 339 to 350 in Ebiegberi Joe Alagoa and Abi Derefa~a in a book entitled: The Land and People of Rivers State: Eastern Niger Delta, explained that the struggle for ethnic hegemony in Nigeria referred to as ethnic nationalism has been linked to the formation of Pan-ethnic unions from the 1920s.

Professor Ben Naanen, concluded thus: “although, these ethnic movements were founded as cultural and welfare associations, they quickly assumed a political character when party politics emerged in Nigeria.

For instance, Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) founded in 1949 transformed to a political party in 1951 while the Egbe Omo Oduduwa established in 1945 constituted the nucleus of the Action Group and so was the case of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroon NCNC inaugurated in 1944 while Igbo Union in Lagos was at the same time the major source of support.

It is no exaggeration that this gradual growth of ethnic politics became a source of worry to minority groups including Rivers people and Calabar Ogoja Rivers State Movement.

This may not be unconnected with the springing up of the Ijaw dominated body called Rivers People’s League of 1941 whereas non-Ijaw groups notable among them were the Ogoni, Ekpeye, Ikwere- Etche and Abua groups sprang up within the same period.

It is on record that the first attempt at the creation of Rivers State came to limelight when the Rivers province was created in 1947 made up of Ahoada, Brass, Degema and Ogoni with Port Harcourt as headquarters. However, all this is history now.

Probably what is most important in the modem history of agitation for the creation of Rivers State was the collective effort of the founding fathers represented by the famous Rivers State memorandum.

It is common knowledge that the Rivers State memorandum was presented to the Head of State at the time, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, by the Rivers Leaders of Thought and was signed by S.N Dikibo, Chairman, Mr. E.N. Kobani, representing Ogoni Division, Dr I..J.M. Fiberesima representing Degema Division, R.P.G Okara Brass Division, Mr. G.B.C Otoka (Opobo Division) and N. Nwonodi for Ahoada and Port Harcourt Divisions.

Besides these signatories, other prominent names associated with the creation of the state were Chief D. Davies Manuel, Chief Harold Dappa Biriye, E.J A Oriji, W.O.Briggs who later defected to Calabar Ogoja and Rivers Movement and much later Captain Elechi Amadi joined before assisting the Nigerian Army to liberate Port Harcourt during the civil war.

It is also on record that on hearing of the new but strong romance between Rivers leaders of thought and the Head of State, the Governor of the defunct Eastern Region, Chukwu Emeka Odumegu Ojukwu, invited another set of leaders of the state movement on September 2, 1966 asking them to give up creation of Rivers and instead promised a province of Port Harcourt and urged them to support Biafra project.

It is for this reason many hold the view that among other factors, Rivers was created to polarize the struggle for Biafra and gained support of the old Rivers people. Be that as it may, Rivers has been created and will be 50 years on 27th May 2017.

Governor Nyesom Wike has set up the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee comprising about one hundred and fifty-one members while a renowned quantity surveyor and builder, Chief Ferdinard Alabraba, and legal luminary, O.C.J. Okocha are to serve as chairman and alternate chairman respectively.

The members who cut across all spheres of human endeavor, comprise distinguished Nigerians from within and outside the state who do business in the state.

Governor Wike, during the inauguration, stated categorically that the terms of reference include among other things to organise a month-long memorable celebration to mark the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Rivers State, to identify, seek support, collaborate with corporate organizations and individuals for a successful celebration and to determine categories of awards and also recommend persons from within and outside the state to be honored. This, no doubt, is a sensitive task that requires not only funds but wisdom and inclusiveness. raIl stakeholders, to achieve set objectives.

To this end, the task before the committee would be to identify and re-enact the first love of the founding fathers of the state which was to create and promote favourable identity of the Rivers man. To achieve this target, the committee must make conscious effort to present an accurate and updated information on the state. Such information should entail demographic details, occupation and culture of the people.

The quest to meet the manpower need of the state informed manpower development through technical and science education and further led to the establishment of the Rivers State College of Science and Technology which transformed to the premier university of science and technology in the country, the Rivers State University of Science and Technology. Better still, technical colleges and craft centres were accorded priority attention but this does not seem to be the case now.

It is worthy of note that strategic media outfits were put in place to engender favourable identity and they include the Rivers State Newspaper Corporation, publisher of The Tide Newspaper, Rivers State Broadcasting Corporation comprising Radio Rivers and RSTV.

Interestingly, the government of Commander Alfred Diete Spiff embraced the Rivers Readers Project under the leadership of late Professor Kay Williamson, Professor Emeritus E.J.Alagoa and Professor Erneritus Otonti Nduka to promote writing, teaching and learning in Rivers indigenous languages. The Committee should see the need to mark the celebration with launch of primers in indigenous Rivers languages as there cannot be culture without language.

At this juncture, it may be pertinent to ask the questions what is the state of key state institutions such as Rivers State Museum, Council for Arts and Culture, Library, indigenous crafts and trade centres, public laboratory that can evoke a sense of history?

This is where Governor Nyesom Wike must be commended for conceptualising the Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee which, no doubt, for once would move the people of the state from party politics to a point of sober reflection and our common humanity and to enable Rivers people focus on the big picture.

As the state plans to organise a golden jubilee celebration in 2017, emphasis should not be on the mere celebration of it with a giant cake but the resolve by the founding fathers to accomplish their dreams and aspirations despite daunting challenges.

The Committee must ensure that parts of the state ceded to other states if any because of petrol politics are recommended to be brought back while the founding fathers, who have not been immortalized be named after road, streets, strategic buildings across the state. It is hoped that such a celebration will not be concentrated in Port Harcourt city alone, but all the 23 local government areas will host components while the grand finale takes place in the state capital.

The Rivers State Golden Jubilee Committee must bring to the front burner how to revive the culture of the Rivers man towards truth, justice, love, forgiveness, hard work against bloodletting and killings so prevalent in our society today.

In other words, preservation of cultural heritage should not be limited to physical properties such as piece of cloth, historical site and art alone.

The committee must know that to whom much is given much is expected.

Sika is Port Harcourt-based journalist and public affairs analyst.

Opinion

Poor Federal Roads: The Oshiomhole’s Outburst

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat”

The recent outburst by the lawmaker representing Edo North Senatorial District, Senator Adams Oshiomhole, over the deplorable condition of federal roads in Edo and Delta states has once again drawn national attention to one of Nigeria’s most persistent infrastructure challenges. During Senate plenary last Wednesday, Oshiomhole criticized the Minister of Works, David Umahi, accusing the Federal Ministry of Works of neglecting major federal highways in Edo and Delta while prioritizing new road projects. According to him, the government should focus on rehabilitating existing roads that have become impassable before embarking on new construction. He identified the Benin-Warri, Benin-Asaba, Benin-Auchi and Auchi-Okene highways as strategic economic corridors that have deteriorated to alarming levels, making travel difficult for commuters and motorists while increasing the cost of transporting goods and services.

The senator also alleged that road projects affecting Edo and Delta states were repeatedly omitted from budgetary provisions and that some interventions were only undertaken following directives from President Bola Tinubu. Ironically, the Federal Government has consistently reiterated its commitment to reconstructing and rehabilitating federal roads across the country. The Minister of Works has repeatedly assured Nigerians that the government is deploying reinforced concrete technology to build more durable highways capable of withstanding the country’s climatic conditions. Despite these assurances, vast sections of federal road across the country remain in deplorable condition. The consequences are enormous. Federal highways serve as the backbone of the nation’s economy, carrying more than 90 per cent of passengers and freight.

They connect ports, airports, industrial centres, state capitals and agricultural belts, facilitating the movement of food, fuel, cement and manufactured goods. When these roads fail, the entire economy suffers. Although the Federal Ministry of Works is responsible for road construction and rehabilitation while the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) oversees maintenance, road maintenance has consistently taken a back seat. The result is a recurring cycle in which newly completed roads quickly deteriorate while existing ones are left to collapse. The economic consequences are severe. Bad roads increase transportation costs, contribute to food inflation, delay the movement of goods from ports to markets, increase vehicle maintenance expenses and lead to avoidable road crashes that claim countless lives every year.

To address these challenges, the Federal Government has introduced initiatives such as the Highway Development and Management Initiative (HDMI), which seeks to attract private investment into road maintenance through concessions and tolling. While the initiative holds promise, public acceptance will depend largely on visible improvements in road quality and transparent management of toll revenues. Similarly, the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme is designed to encourage companies to finance the reconstruction of strategic highways in exchange for tax credits. While the scheme has shown promise, its ability to address road infrastructure challenges equitably across the country remains to be seen. Other countries facing similar infrastructure challenges have demonstrated that sustainable road management requires a different approach.

Rwanda and Morocco, for instance, have prioritized dedicated road maintenance funds, performance-based contracts that reward quality rather than kilometers constructed, and policies that allocate a significant proportion of road budgets to maintenance instead of new construction. Nigeria can draw useful lessons from these experiences. Maintenance funding should be increased and protected because preventive maintenance is far cheaper than complete reconstruction. Public-private partnerships should be expanded with adequate safeguards, transparent tolling policies and independent monitoring. Development finance institutions should support contractors with affordable financing to minimize disruptions caused by delayed government payments. Road designs should withstand heavier rainfall and flooding, while compensation and right-of-way issues must be resolved before projects begin to avoid unnecessary delays.

FERMA should also prioritize durable, high-quality road maintenance over the shoddy repairs that have become all too common. Ultimately, Nigerians are not asking for perfect roads; they simply want roads that are safe, durable and properly maintained. While new highways are desirable, a well-maintained five-kilometer stretch is often far more valuable to road users than a much longer road that quickly falls into disrepair. The media, civil society, the National Assembly and Nigerians must continue to hold the government accountable by monitoring road projects and demanding better results. Good roads are not a privilege but a right of every citizen. With tax credit schemes, concessions and other funding mechanisms already in place, what is now required is political will, transparency and consistent implementation. However, Senator Oshiomhole’s criticism also invites legitimate public reflection.

Many Nigerians have asked what the condition of these same federal roads was during his eight-year tenure as Governor of Edo State. Several governors, including those of Rivers State at different times, undertook repairs on critical federal roads within their states and subsequently sought reimbursement from the Federal Government. It is therefore fair to ask whether similar interventions were pursued during Oshiomhole’s administration. Public officials, whether serving or former, should be judged by the same standard. Constructive criticism is essential in a democracy, but it carries greater weight when matched by a demonstrable record of action. Nigerians expect those entrusted with public office to address pressing challenges while they have the authority to do so, rather than becoming vocal critics only after leaving office

By: Calista Ezeaku

Opinion

Sacrificing Humanity for Politics?

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

The Tide

“Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. No politician is worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence.””Politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent”.

Every election season leaves behind more than ballot papers and campaign posters. It often leaves broken friendships, divided families, fractured communities, and hearts filled with resentment. In the heat of political competition, many people forget a simple but profound truth: politics is temporary, but humanity is permanent. Across our communities, it has become increasingly common to see people sever lifelong relationships simply because they support different political parties or candidates. Individuals who once shared meals, celebrated milestones, and stood by each other during difficult times suddenly become strangers not because they committed any personal offence, but because they exercised their democratic right to think differently. This growing trend should concern every citizen. Politics is designed to provide leadership, shape public policy, and improve society.

It was never intended to become a weapon for destroying relationships or creating permanent enemies. When politics begins to erode our humanity, it ceases to serve its true purpose. A democratic society thrives on diversity of thought. Every citizen possesses the constitutional right to support any political party, candidate, or ideology without fear of intimidation or hatred. Political disagreement is not a crime; rather, it is evidence that democracy is alive and functioning. The true measure of political maturity is not our ability to silence opposing voices but our willingness to respect them. Unfortunately, many people have mistaken political loyalty for personal hostility. Instead of debating ideas, they attack personalities. Instead of discussing policies, they spread insults and misinformation. Instead of building bridges, they construct walls of bitterness.

Such behaviour weakens not only our relationships but also the democratic values we claim to defend. The reality is simple: elections are temporary. Political offices have fixed tenures. Governments change. Political alliances shift. Today’s political rivals may become tomorrow’s allies, while today’s allies may become tomorrow’s opponents. History has repeatedly demonstrated that politicians who once exchanged harsh words eventually sit together at negotiation tables in pursuit of shared interests. Yet ordinary citizens often remain trapped in unnecessary hatred long after political leaders have reconciled.This reality offers an important lesson. No politician should be worth sacrificing genuine friendships, family bonds, or peaceful coexistence. Political support should never require personal hatred. We can campaign passionately for our preferred candidates while still respecting those who choose differently.

Democracy flourishes when disagreement remains civil. One of the most dangerous habits in politics is inheriting other people’s enemies. Far too often, supporters adopt the personal conflicts of political leaders as though they were their own. People who have never met begin insulting one another on social media, damaging relationships, and sometimes engaging in violence simply because influential figures disagree.Such misplaced loyalty serves no meaningful purpose. Political leaders often possess the opportunity to reconcile, negotiate, and move forward after elections. Their supporters, however, are frequently left with damaged relationships, regret, and lasting divisions within their communities. Wisdom demands that citizens distinguish between political competition and personal relationships. Rather than inheriting hostility, we should cultivate independent judgment.

Judge individuals by their character, integrity, honesty, and personal conduct not merely by the colour of the political party they support. A person’s political affiliation does not automatically define their values, competence, or humanity. Equally important is the need to elevate the quality of our political conversations. Instead of engaging in personal attacks, we should focus on issues that genuinely affect people’s lives. Discussions should revolve around education, healthcare, infrastructure, security, economic growth, employment, agriculture, and accountable governance. These are the matters that determine the future of our nation not endless exchanges of insults. Social media has further amplified political intolerance. Behind anonymous profiles and smartphone screens, many people say things they would never express in person.

Every post, comment, and shared message has the potential either to promote understanding or to deepen division. Responsible citizenship requires restraint, accuracy, and respect, especially during politically sensitive periods. Politics should inspire service, not hostility. Leadership should unite rather than divide. Citizens should be free to disagree without becoming enemies. After all, beyond our political preferences, we remain neighbours, colleagues, business partners, classmates, worshippers, and fellow citizens who share the same hopes for peace, prosperity, justice, and national development. As another political season approaches, let us remember what truly matters. Campaigns will end. Elections will pass. Winners will celebrate, and losers will regroup. But the relationships we preserve, the respect we extend, and the humanity we uphold will remain long after the campaign slogans have faded.

The greatest victory in politics is not defeating an opponent at the polls; it is preserving our values while participating in democracy. Let us choose dialogue over division, understanding over intolerance, and respect over hatred. Above all, let us never forget this timeless principle: Politics should never be more important than humanity. And perhaps the wisest political advice anyone can embrace is this: Never inherit people’s enemies. In doing so, we preserve not only our relationships but also the very spirit of democracy itself.

By: Michael T. Abraham

Opinion

Making the Out-of-School Children Survey Count

Published

3 weeks ago

July 27, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “Reliable data may reveal the scale of Nigeria’s out-of-school crisis, but only sustained political will and practical action can ensure that every child is given the opportunity to learn, thrive and contribute to national development.”

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that the Federal Government, in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), will conduct a nationwide household survey to determine the actual number of out-of-school children in Nigeria. The exercise is intended to provide reliable data for evidence-based education policies and targeted interventions. Current estimates put the number of out-of-school children at between 15 million and 20 million, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest number of children excluded from formal education. At first glance, this is a commendable initiative. One of Nigeria’s greatest developmental challenges has been the absence of accurate and reliable data. Without dependable statistics, planning becomes difficult, implementation inefficient, and evaluation of government programmes almost impossible.

The nation’s actual population also remains uncertain because of the absence of an up-to-date national census. Estimates range from below 200 million to over 250 million, making effective planning a daunting task. Sound policies on education, healthcare, housing, employment and infrastructure all depend on credible population statistics. Against this backdrop, the proposed survey deserves commendation. If government succeeds in generating reliable figures, it will be better positioned to allocate resources equitably, identify areas of greatest need and design interventions based on facts rather than assumptions. Accurate data will also make it easier to monitor progress and assess whether efforts to reduce the number of out-of-school children are achieving the desired results.

However, beyond the good intentions lie important questions. Will state governments provide the enabling environment for an objective and transparent survey? Since education is on the concurrent legislative list, the cooperation of state governments will largely determine the credibility of the exercise. Politics could easily influence the process. States with higher numbers of out-of-school children may qualify for greater intervention funds from the Federal Government and development partners. Would this tempt some states to inflate their figures? On the other hand, high numbers could portray a state government as performing poorly in the education sector. Would some governors therefore seek to understate the figures to protect their image? These concerns are legitimate because whenever statistics are tied to political interests or financial benefits, the temptation to manipulate them cannot be ignored.

Equally important are questions about the survey itself. When will it begin? How long will it last? What methodology will be adopted? Will every household be covered, including those in remote rural communities and areas plagued by insecurity? Does the government have the manpower, funding, technology and security arrangements needed for such a nationwide exercise? Nigeria has witnessed several well-intentioned national programmes that fell short because of poor planning and inadequate logistics. Many Nigerians will remember that the proposed national population census scheduled a few years ago was postponed despite extensive preparations. Funding constraints and logistical challenges contributed to its suspension. What guarantees are there that this survey will not suffer a similar fate? More importantly, what becomes of the findings after the exercise? Nigeria is not short of reports or data collection initiatives.

The recurring challenge has been the lack of political will to translate findings into concrete policies and sustained action. The survey must not become another document gathering dust on government shelves. Instead, it should serve as the basis for measurable interventions, continuous monitoring and improved educational outcomes. Beyond producing accurate figures, the survey must also uncover the reasons children remain outside the classroom. Addressing the crisis requires more than counting affected children. It demands an understanding of the social, economic and cultural factors responsible for the problem. Issues such as the Almajiri system and other practices that discourage formal education should be carefully examined while respecting cultural values and protecting every child’s right to quality education. Poverty remains a major barrier, as many parents cannot afford school-related expenses, forcing children into street trading or child labour

Insecurity has also led to the closure of schools in several communities, depriving thousands of children of learning opportunities.Government must therefore complement the survey with practical measures. Strengthening social protection for vulnerable families, improving school infrastructure, recruiting and retaining qualified teachers, enhancing security around schools and enforcing compulsory basic education are all essential. Equally important is sustained collaboration with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the root causes of school exclusion. The proposed survey presents an opportunity to replace guesswork with credible evidence. However, its true value will not be measured by the number of households visited or questionnaires completed. Its success will depend on whether the findings inspire bold policies, adequate funding and sustained action that ensure every Nigerian child, regardless of location or background, has access to quality education. Only then will the exercise move beyond statistics to become a genuine instrument for national development.